Molly Qerim Departs ESPN's 'First Take' After a Decade
Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN's "First Take" since 2015, has announced her departure from the network. The news comes after Qerim reportedly declined a new contract offer from ESPN, bringing an end to her 10-year run on the popular sports debate show.
Stephen A. Smith Reacts to Qerim's Departure
Stephen A. Smith, Qerim's "First Take" co-star, expressed his surprise and sadness regarding her decision. On his Sirius XM show, Smith stated that ESPN was keen on retaining Qerim and that he was "not happy about it." He emphasized their close working relationship and friendship, noting that he will miss her presence on the show.
"To say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement," Smith said. "Molly is a friend. Molly is a co-worker...We’ve been partners on the show for the last 10 years..."
Smith also mentioned that the specifics of the contract negotiations are private but hinted that Qerim made a decision she felt was in her best interest. He declined to share his personal theories about the departure, respecting Qerim's right to tell her own story.
Qerim's Announcement and ESPN's Response
Qerim confirmed her departure via an Instagram Story, stating that the news came out "earlier than I intended." She expressed gratitude for her time on "First Take," highlighting the privilege of working with "some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports" and thanking the fans. She started at ESPN in 2006.
"Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career," Qerim wrote. "Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports..."
ESPN's President of Content, Burke Magnus, acknowledged Qerim's contributions to the network and "First Take's" success. He praised her professionalism, poise, and skill, and wished her well in her future endeavors. ESPN did not specify when Qerim's final "First Take" appearance would be.
What's Next for Molly Qerim?
The details of Qerim's future plans remain unclear. In her Instagram Story, she concluded with "Stay tuned," suggesting that she will soon reveal her next steps. The sports world awaits to see what opportunities lie ahead for the talented and respected host after her successful decade at ESPN.
| Key Figure | Role |
|---|---|
| Molly Qerim | Former Host of "First Take" |
| Stephen A. Smith | Co-star on "First Take" |
| Burke Magnus | President of Content at ESPN |
